What is the difference between CML (chronic myelogenous leukemia) become AML (acute myelogenous leukemia) and CMMoL (chronic myelomonocytic leukemia)?

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My mother has been diagnosed with CML, however, due to a
"negative" result of the Philadelphia chromosome, the doctors are having her examined for chronic myelo-monocytic leukemia. What are the risks for her CML to become AML?

Thank you for your response.

Selina M. Luger, MD, Director of the Leukemia Program and Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, responds:

The three diseases you mention are 3 distinct entities.

CML or chronic myelogenous leukemia is a disease in which patients have too
many mature white blood cells. It is considered a myeloproliferative
disorder-a condition in which the bone marrow makes too many cells. This
disease is diagnosed by the presence of either the Philadelphia Chromosome
or the gene made by the Philadelphia chromosome, called bcr-abl. New
treatments, which target this abnormal gene, have been developed. It
is considered in the list of possible diagnoses, this chromosome is looked
for so that appropriate therapy is not missed.

AML or acute myelogenous leukemia is a disease in which patients have too
many immature white blood cells in their bone marrow that are not capable
of maturing properly. These immature cells act very rapidly and can cause
life-threatening problems if the disease is not treated promptly.

CMMoL or chronic myelomonocytic leukemia is a disorder of the bone marrow
where the bone marrow is making too many white blood cells called monocytes.
The bone marrow appears myeloproliferative but the cells that it makes are
not normal mature cells and do not function properly. This disorder is
called a myelodysplatic disorder (funny looking bone marrow). Its
progression and outcome is variable and can be predicted to some degree by
the blood counts and bone marrow findings.

Dec 7, 2010 - Nilotinib may improve survival in some chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients, and patients with various types of CML respond well to ponatinib, according to research being presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology, held from Dec. 4 to 7 in Orlando, Fla. Other studies being presented outline the optimal use of imatinib, address how a new gene target functions for several myeloid malignancies, highlight a tool for predicting acute myeloid leukemia outcomes, and address the use of mitoxantrone in acute lymphoblastic leukemia.